The Benefits of Attic Ventilation

Protection Against Winter Structural Damage

• Properly ventilating your attic can directly help guard against seasonal structural damage. For example, an improperly ventilated attic in the winter can cause your attic space to heat up and cool down constantly, which can create water on your roof, in your gutters and in your attic. The water will melt and refreeze constantly, which can damage your roof and gutters due to the way that moisture expands when frozen.

Protection Against Summer Structural Damage

• A poorly ventilated attic in the summer can trap super-heated air. Besides causing discomfort within your living spaces, these high heat levels can damage your home's roof shingles. Investing in proper ventilation now can help protect against costly repairs in the future.

Lowered Utility Costs

• Every year, the average American house uses approximately 2,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity just to cool down the home, representing some of the biggest strains on the nation's power plants, reports the U.S. Department of Energy. During the warmer months, a properly ventilated attic can help move out the hot air that collects in this space, helping to prevent heat transfers from the attic into your living space, thus reducing the cooling costs acquired during the summer.

Reduced Moisture Risks

• The attic can collect moisture all year long. If it isn't properly ventilated, this moisture accumulates and can travel down into your home's structure and your ceiling where detecting it can be difficult. Trapped moisture in your attic and ceiling doesn't just place your home's structural integrity at risk, but the moisture also can weaken any present wood and can raise your risks of mold and mildew, creating health problems for your family. Trapped moisture can also damage your home's walls and cloth surfaces, such as upholstered furniture and hanging curtains.